The plan to create a new life and possibilities for a better universe in the film Star Wars also resonates with the new Rotary theme.

Article by PDG Stephen Lamont, Rotary Coordinator

As a child of the eighties, I was fascinated by the film Star Wars. Wishing I could have a lightsaber (if only for the cool noise it made) as well as having the ability of the Jedi for mindreading, I note that the original Star Wars film was named – A New Hope. The plan to create a new life and possibilities for a better universe in the film also resonates with the new Rotary theme.

As we begin another year in Rotary – Create Hope in the World – membership shall remain a focus. The new year provides an opportunity to do new things, new beginnings and further develop new and more flexible clubs. Listening to speeches at various changeovers, there is a strong desire to continue to build and grow membership. A new board brings new people and new ideas to the way the club shall function and is often a way to refresh the club dynamics. It also provides club committees with the ability to review previous projects and make new plans – do not be afraid to try something different. Why not simply ask the question at your first committee meeting – what is it that you want to do and achieve during the year? A new year also means a new opportunity for service and renewed engagement and experiences.

Here is an idea to create a new membership experience at your club meeting. If you are meeting in person, when you go to pay for your attendance/meal tell the person at the desk that “ I am paying for the person behind me “. When the next member approaches the person at the desk they can say “ the person before you has already paid for you – would you like to do the same for the person behind you “. It is an unexpected gesture, but the hope is that there is a ripple effect from one person to the next. The message is that a simple act of kindness brings an affirmation to others and that good people exist in your club and in the world – despite what is often seen on the news! There is also the realisation that the one who benefits the most from a simple act of goodwill is not them but you. I challenge you to give it a go!

We are and shall always remain, a member organisation – creating new hope in your club, your community, your district and your zone is the beginning to creating hope in the wider world.